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20 Arrested in Waco on Federal Drug Trafficking Charges

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20 Arrested in Waco on Federal Drug Trafficking Charges
A group of 20 federally indicted individuals were arrested in Waco on criminal charges related to their alleged drug trafficking conspiracy that had been in operation since April 2024. Image for illustration purposes
A group of 20 federally indicted individuals were arrested in Waco on criminal charges related to their alleged drug trafficking conspiracy that had been in operation since April 2024. Image for illustration purposes

Texas Border Business

U.S. Attorney’s Office, Western District of Texas

WACO, Texas – A group of 20 federally indicted individuals were arrested in Waco on criminal charges related to their alleged drug trafficking conspiracy that had been in operation since April 2024.

The following defendants are indicted for conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute at least 500 grams of methamphetamine and face 10 years to life in federal prison:

  • Osvaldo Vences
  • Brenda Lou Brasher
  • Juan Delgado
  • Anthony Mark Fimple
  • Brian Quinn Knox
  • Ronald Vincent Rodriguez, Jr.
  • James Holland Young
  • Tandy Jay Day
  • William Brett Lafferty
  • Michael Earl McDonald

The following defendants are indicted for conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute at least 1 kilogram of heroin and face 10 years to life in federal prison:

  • Arthur Lee Pimpton
  • Quincy Shun Cook
  • Osvaldo Vences
  • Reginald Dewayne Bible
  • Reginald Vernard Branch
  • Deordrick Derrion Brown
  • Direshia Marie McDaniel
  • Reginald Lionel Thornton
  • Kevin Eugene Hubby
  • Rockelle Lashan Parker
  • Marvin Lydell Starks

The following defendants are indicted for conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute at least 500 grams of cocaine and face five to 40 years in federal prison: 

  • Juan Delgado
  • Anthony Mark Fimple
  • Ronald Vincent Rodriguez, Jr.
  • Fabian Angel Fabela

Acting U.S. Attorney Margaret Leachman for the Western District of Texas made the announcement.

The FBI, Waco Police Department, Drug Enforcement Administration, and McLennan County Sheriff’s Office are investigating the case.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephanie Smith-Burris is prosecuting the case.

An indictment is merely an allegation and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

Texas Leads Nation in Job Creation Over Last 12 Months 

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Texas Leads Nation in Job Creation Over Last 12 Months 
Texas again hit new highs for total jobs, the number of Texans working, and the size of the Texas labor force. Image for illustration purposes
Texas again hit new highs for total jobs, the number of Texans working, and the size of the Texas labor force. Image for illustration purposes

Texas Border Business

AUSTIN – Governor Greg Abbott credits hardworking Texans and Texas employers for adding the most jobs in the nation over the last 12 months based on March 2025 employment data. Texas again hit new highs for total jobs, the number of Texans working, and the size of the Texas labor force.  

“Texas leads the nation in job creation thanks to our booming economy and highly skilled workforce,” said Governor Abbott. “Every month, Texas welcomes businesses from across the country and around the world to innovate and invest in our great state. By funding our schools more than ever before and expanding career and technical training programs, we will prepare more Texans for better job and bigger paycheck opportunities to build a more prosperous Texas.”

March employment data released by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and the Texas Workforce Commission shows:
Texas reached a new high with the largest labor force ever in the state’s history at 15,778,500.
Texas reached a new high for Texans working, including self-employed, at 15,137,500.
Texas reached a new high for total nonfarm jobs at 14,282,600 after adding 26,500 jobs in March.
Texas added 192,100 nonfarm jobs from March 2024 to March 2025, more than any other state and growing at a faster rate than the nation as a whole.

Last week, Governor Abbott announced more than $1.3 million in job training grants to Collin County Community College District for customized workforce training programs in healthcare, accounting, manufacturing, and other high-demand occupations. Earlier this year, Governor Abbott declared expanding career training as one of his seven emergency items this legislative session. House Bill 20 and House Bill 120 both advanced out of the Texas House of Representatives this week to expand career and technical education so more students can go from graduation directly into a good-paying job. 

The Governor also congratulated the Texas House for providing record public education funding by passing House Bill 2.

CBP Uncovers Over 260 Pounds of Pork in a Vehicle at Laredo’s Juarez-Lincoln Bridge

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CBP Uncovers Over 260 Pounds of Pork in a Vehicle at Laredo’s Juarez-Lincoln Bridge
Packages containing 260 pounds of prohibited pork products seized by CBP officers and agriculture specialists at Laredo Port of Entry. USCBP image
Packages containing 260 pounds of prohibited pork products seized by CBP officers and agriculture specialists at Laredo Port of Entry. USCBP image

Texas Border Business

LAREDO, Texas – U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers recently discovered over 260 pounds of prohibited pork products in a single enforcement action at the Juarez-Lincoln Bridge.

“Our frontline CBP officers maintained strict vigilance amid the onslaught of heavy Holy Week traffic and uncovered a commercial quantity of pork hidden within a passenger vehicle,” said Port Director Albert Flores, Laredo Port of Entry. “Seizures like these reinforce CBP’s dedication to protecting American agriculture and the American public from prohibited agricultural items that could harbor plant pests and animal diseases.”

The seizure occurred on the evening of April 17 when CBP officers assigned to the Juarez-Lincoln Bridge referred a Dodge Caliber to secondary inspection. Upon inspection of the vehicle, officers encountered a black bag with prohibited pork items under the passenger seat. Further examination of the vehicle revealed multiple bags of pork product in the rear hatch area of the vehicle. CBP agriculture specialists seized a total of 112.86 kgs of chorizo, 3.81 kgs of pork sausage, 1.40 kgs of blood sausage.   

CBP agriculture specialists issued a $1,000 civil penalty for the undeclared commercial quantity of prohibited pork products, and CBP officers seized the vehicle.

CBP agriculture specialists enforce United States Department of Agriculture quarantines to prevent the entry of pests and plant & animal diseases that could damage the agriculture industry in the U.S. Attempting to bring in prohibited agricultural items could lead to traveler delays and may result in a fine ranging from $300 to $1,000.

CBP agriculture specialists and CBP officers work diligently to fulfill CBP’s agriculture mission by excluding harmful pests and diseases from becoming established in the U.S. Read more about CBP’s agriculture mission.

Rep. Cuellar Honored with 2025 Autism Advocacy Award

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Rep. Cuellar Honored with 2025 Autism Advocacy Award
Congressman Henry Cuellar, Ph.D. (TX-28) has been honored with the 2025 Autism Advocacy Award, a national recognition for his leadership in advancing policies and securing funding to support individuals on the autism spectrum and their families. Image for illustration purposs
Congressman Henry Cuellar, Ph.D. (TX-28) has been honored with the 2025 Autism Advocacy Award, a national recognition for his leadership in advancing policies and securing funding to support individuals on the autism spectrum and their families. Image for illustration purposs

Texas Border Business

WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman Henry Cuellar, Ph.D. (TX-28) has been honored with the 2025 Autism Advocacy Award, a national recognition for his leadership in advancing policies and securing funding to support individuals on the autism spectrum and their families. The award was presented during the Autism Worthy Gala Dinner hosted by the Autism Society of America, a leading national organization committed to improving the lives of individuals and families affected by autism through advocacy, education, and support. Congressman Cuellar received the award alongside U.S. Senator Ben Ray Luján and U.S. Senator Susan Collins.

“I am deeply honored to receive the 2025 Autism Advocacy Award,” said Dr. Cuellar. “I appreciate the work of the Autism Society of America and congratulate them on six decades of transformative work. For individuals on the autism spectrum and their families, this work is not just policy—it’s a lifeline. We must continue building communities that include and empower everyone, regardless of how they think or communicate.”

As Co-Chair of the Congressional Autism Caucus, Dr. Cuellar has led bipartisan efforts to strengthen federal support for the autism community. Working alongside Congressman Chris Smith, he has championed policies that advance research, improve access to care, and expand services for individuals with autism across all stages of life.

A cornerstone of these efforts is the Autism CARES Act, which Dr. Cuellar helped pass and get signed into law. The legislation directs critical funding toward early diagnosis, effective interventions, workforce training, and lifelong support systems. Its continued renewal underscores the federal government’s commitment to meeting the evolving needs of the autism community.

Edinburg Pharmacist Indicted in $2M Health Care Fraud Scheme

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Edinburg Pharmacist Indicted in $2M Health Care Fraud Scheme
48-year-old Edinburg resident Cynthia Ann Herrera has been taken into custody on charges of health care fraud and aggravated identity theft in connection with a scheme to defraud the Texas Medicaid Program. Image for illustration purposes
48-year-old Edinburg resident Cynthia Ann Herrera has been taken into custody on charges of health care fraud and aggravated identity theft in connection with a scheme to defraud the Texas Medicaid Program. Image for illustration purposes

Texas Border Business

U.S. Attorney’s Office, Southern District of Texas

McALLEN, Texas – A 48-year-old Edinburg resident has been taken into custody on charges of health care fraud and aggravated identity theft in connection with a scheme to defraud the Texas Medicaid Program.

The indictment, returned April 15 and unsealed upon her arrest, alleges she submitted or caused the submission of fraudulent claims to Medicaid for prescriptions that a doctor had never prescribed. Between 2018 and 2024, the claims resulted in more than $2 million in Medicaid payments, according to the charges. Herrera allegedly used the personal information of doctors without their consent to bill Medicaid for the prescriptions.

Herrera is charged with six counts of health care fraud, each carrying a possible 10-year maximum sentence and up to a $250,000 fine. She is also facing six counts of aggravated identity theft. If convicted, she faces a mandatory two years which must be served consecutively to any other sentence imposed. 

Department of Health and Human Services – Office of the Inspector General (OIG), FBI, Health and Human Services Commission – OIG, Texas Attorney General’s Medicaid Fraud Control Unit and Texas Department of Insurance conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Sarina S. DiPiazza and Theodore Parran III are prosecuting the case.

An indictment is a formal accusation of criminal conduct, not evidence. A defendant is presumed innocent unless convicted through due process of law.

Updated April 17, 2025

CBP Officers Stop 94 Pound Cocaine Load at El Paso Port of Entry

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CBP Officers Stop 94 Pound Cocaine Load at El Paso Port of Entry
U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers working at the Paso Del Norte international crossing in El Paso seized 94.5 pounds of cocaine April 17. The drugs were hidden in a vehicle being driven by a 29-year-old Mexican woman. USCBP image
U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers working at the Paso Del Norte international crossing in El Paso seized 94.5 pounds of cocaine April 17. The drugs were hidden in a vehicle being driven by a 29-year-old Mexican woman. USCBP image

Texas Border Business

EL PASO, Texas – U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers working at the Paso Del Norte international crossing in El Paso seized 94.5 pounds of cocaine April 17. The drugs were hidden in a vehicle being driven by a 29-year-old Mexican woman.

“The attention to detail demonstrated by a single CBP officer resulted in this seizure,” said CBP El Paso Port Director Ray Provencio. “Because of the efforts of the CBP workforce a large amount of cocaine did not reach its intended destination. That’s a win for us all.”

The events leading to the seizure began just after 10 a.m. when a 2018 Nissan Sentra with a single female occupant arrived from Mexico. A CBP officer working at the primary inspection booth noted anomalies in the appearance of the car and directed the vehicle to the secondary inspection area.

A nonintrusive x-ray scan of the car confirmed the presence of anomalies in the floor. A CBP drug-sniffing dog searched the car and alerted officers to the presence of narcotics. 

CBP officers continued their exam and located 36 bundles concealed in a floor compartment. The contents of the packages tested positive for cocaine.

CBP officers arrested the woman. She was turned over to the El Paso County Sheriff’s office to face charges associated with the failed smuggling attempt.

STC To Launch Supply Chain Training Program

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STC To Launch Supply Chain Training Program
South Texas College Instruction and Development Designer, Ernesto Vargas, demonstrates the Amatrol Skill Boss Logistics system that will be utilized by the students for hands-on training and testing in a new 416-hour Certified Technician in Supply Chain Automation (CT-SCA) program by summer 2025. STC image
South Texas College Instruction and Development Designer, Ernesto Vargas, demonstrates the Amatrol Skill Boss Logistics system that will be utilized by the students for hands-on training and testing in a new 416-hour Certified Technician in Supply Chain Automation (CT-SCA) program by summer 2025. STC image

Texas Border Business

By Joey Gomez

McALLEN, Texas – The South Texas College Center for Advanced Training and Apprenticeships (CATA) is set to introduce an innovative new program in supply chain automation within the logistics industry thanks to aTexas Reskilling and Upskilling through Education (TRUE) Grant.

The grant has allowed the college to develop and launch a new 416-hour Certified Technician in Supply Chain Automation (CT-SCA) program by summer 2025.

The noncredit program is geared toward those who are unemployed and seeking opportunities. It is designed to equip participants with the technical skills needed to enter high-demand occupations in the region including maintenance and repair workers and mechanics and repairers.

“CATA continues to focus on meeting regional workforce needs by targeting unemployed individuals, while also supporting incumbent workers and high school students with industry-driven training,” said CATA director Leonel Garcia. “Through this grant, CATA aims to expand access to high-quality workforce training, strengthen industry partnerships and help individuals gain the skills needed to succeed in today’s job market.”

Through the grant, CATA will launch two cohorts of the CT-SCA program that will provide intensive, hands-on training and job placement support for at least 16 participants.

The program will consist of classroom instruction and lab-based training using STC’s advanced Amatrol Skill Boss Logistics system that will be utilized by the students for hands-on training and testing.

STC faculty are currently undergoing certification training to become authorized instructors for the new equipment.

“We are looking forward to providing new skills to those students who are eager to enter a career in automation, which is rapidly growing within the distribution sector in our region,” said CATA project training specialist Juan Rabanales, who will also be coordinating the program. “We are providing highly technical skills that companies are looking for through this program, and these companies will then help us place these students in jobs once they get their certifications.”    

Upon completion of the six-month program, participants will then earn two nationally recognized certifications from the Manufacturing Skill Standards Council (MSSC) including a certificate in Equipment Maintenance (CT-SCA EM) and Equipment Repair (CT-SCA ER).

“The program has been made to prepare technicians to install, operate, support, upgrade and maintain automated material handling equipment and systems which support the supply chain,” Rabanales said. “We are excited to bring this new opportunity for students in the Rio Grande Valley.”

For more information about the upcoming supply chain training program contact Juan Rabanales at 956-872-6141 or email at jrabanal@southtexascollege.edu.

Edinburg Man Gets 4 Years for Trying to Smuggle $3 Million In Cocaine

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Edinburg Man Gets 4 Years for Trying to Smuggle $3 Million In Cocaine
CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas – A 37-year-old South Texan has been ordered to federal prison for illegally smuggling 43 kilograms of cocaine into the United States. Image for illustration purposes
CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas – A 37-year-old South Texan has been ordered to federal prison for illegally smuggling 43 kilograms of cocaine into the United States. Image for illustration purposes

Texas Border Business

U.S. Attorney’s Office, Southern District of Texas

CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas – A 37-year-old South Texan has been ordered to federal prison for illegally smuggling 43 kilograms of cocaine into the United States.

Hector Julian Sustaita pleaded guilty Dec. 12, 2024.

U.S. District Judge David Morales has now ordered him to serve 48 months in federal prison to be immediately followed by three years of supervised release.

On June 7, 2024, Sustaita approached the Falfurrias Border Patrol checkpoint in a Chevrolet Silverado. He claimed he was heading to Houston to work on solar panels. However, authorities did not observe any luggage or tools in the vehicle.

An x-ray scan then revealed anomalies in the areas of the vehicle’s frame. A K-9 also alerted to odor of drugs. A subsequent search resulted in the seizure of 36 bundles of cocaine wrapped in cellophane and tape. Five were located inside the dashboard, another five were inside the rear door and 26 inside a hidden compartment near the truck bed.

The cocaine had a gross weight of 43.04 kilograms with an estimated street value of over $3 million.

Previously released on bond, Sustaita was taken into custody following the sentencing where he will remain pending transfer to a Federal Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future.

The Drug Enforcement Administration conducted the investigation with the assistance of Customs and Border Protection. Assistant U.S. Attorney Yasmine K. Tucker prosecuted the case.

Updated April 17, 2025

Sen. Cruz, EPA Administrator Zeldin Visit West Texas to Promote American Energy Dominance

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Sen. Cruz, EPA Administrator Zeldin Visit West Texas to Promote American Energy Dominance
U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas), joined by U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Lee Zeldin, on Thursday conducted a series of events focused on unleashing American energy. Courtesy image
U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas), joined by U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Lee Zeldin, on Thursday conducted a series of events focused on unleashing American energy. Courtesy image

Texas Border Business

MIDLAND, Texas – U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas), joined by U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Lee Zeldin, on Thursday conducted a series of events focused on unleashing American energy, including visiting a Permian Basin oil and gas rig, conducting a roundtable with energy industry leaders and workers, and hosting a press conference on the issue.

Courtesy image

Watch the press conference here. 

Sen. Cruz said, “The Biden administration waged war against oil and gas jobs, especially in Texas. President Trump and the new Republican Congress are committed to returning America to a position of energy dominance, and I fully expect and will work to ensure that Texas leads the way. I’m proud to continue championing the oil and gas industry here in the Lone Star State.”

Admin. Zeldin said, “When I was going through my confirmation process, I made a commitment to Senator Cruz that I would travel down to Midland, tour an oil rig, and reaffirm my support to achieve energy dominance. The oil and gas industry and its hard-working employees help power our nation and we must do more to produce right here in America to compete on the world stage. The Trump EPA does not believe in regulating this industry out of existence. Instead, we want to partner with leaders to keep producing American energy using the cleanest and safest practices on the planet.”

Honduran National Arrested After Assault on Federal Agents Near B&M Bridge in Brownsville

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Honduran National Arrested After Assault on Federal Agents Near B&M Bridge in Brownsville
The individual, identified as Elmor Leonel RAMOS-Aburcia, will face multiple federal charges, including three counts of Assaulting a Federal Officer (18 USC 111).
The individual, identified as Elmor Leonel RAMOS-Aburcia, will face multiple federal charges, including three counts of Assaulting a Federal Officer (18 USC 111).

Texas Border Business

Brownsville, Texas – On April 15, 2025, U.S. Border Patrol agents assigned to the Brownsville Station apprehended a Honduran national following a violent encounter near the B&M International Bridge. The individual, identified as Elmor Leonel RAMOS-Aburcia, will face multiple federal charges, including three counts of Assaulting a Federal Officer (18 USC 111).

RAMOS-Aburcia was initially observed by U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers attempting to scale the border fence near the port of entry. Upon arrival, Border Pas.trol agents attempted to take him into custody when a physical struggle ensued. During the incident, RAMOS-Aburcia forced his way into a marked Border Patrol vehicle, attempted to gain control of an agent’s service weapon, and bit the agent on the forearm.

With the support of CBP officers and the Texas Department of Public Safety, agents successfully subdued and arrested the subject without further injury to the agent or the public. He was transported to the Brownsville Border Patrol Station for processing. The Federal Bureau of Investigation has assumed the lead in the ongoing criminal investigation.

“This was a highly volatile and dangerous situation that could have resulted in serious harm to the public and our agents,” stated RGV Sector Chief Gloria I. Chavez. “I commend the professionalism and restraint shown by our agents in bringing this individual under control. Let it be clear, assaults on our personnel will not be tolerated, and we will pursue full accountability under the law.”

The safety of the community and federal personnel remains a top priority for U.S. Border Patrol and its law enforcement partners.

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